Everyone goes through highs and lows at various times in life. There are often bumps in the road along the way which throw us off and cause emotional upset. How do we know if we are experiencing temporary sadness, or if it’s a deeper issue like depression?

What is Depression?

Depression is a widespread, but serious medical illness. Depressive disorders were the second leading cause of years lived with disability in 2010 in Canada, the United States and globally.[1]

Depression and Gender

Is there a difference in the way depression presents itself in women vs. men? Depression is triggered by different factors in men and women. Internalizing factors such as social or relationship issues are most common causes in females. Men are more likely to present with externalizing indications, stemming from career and goal influences.[1] Men are prone to suffer in silence without seeking help. Despite this fact, each year 6 million men in the U.S. suffer from clinical depression.[4]

Studies show that clinical depression is twice as common among women as in men.[1] Unipolar depression <a persistent feeling of sadness or a lack of interest in outside stimuli> is twice as prevalent in women as men. It is forecasted to be the second leading source of global disability burden by 2020![5]

Causes of Depression

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Chemical Imbalance?

At one time there was a theory that a chemical imbalance in the brain was responsible for depression. Find out Harvard Medical School’s stance on the subject in this article.

Hereditary Disposition

A family history of depression is a contributing factor for both males and females. There is a significant risk to individuals with a family member who suffers from depression. [6]

Situational Depression

Going through a stressful time in life such as a divorce, job change, or moving can cause temporary depression. The depression is usually alleviated once the adjustment period is reached.[7]

Culture and Circumstances

Discrimination

Both males and females can be subjected to racial or cultural discrimination. This leads to lowered self-esteem, a contributing factor to depression. Women are more likely to live in poverty than men adding worry about their future.[3]

Overworked

Women handle a large number of household responsibilities despite the fact that they may also work full time outside the home. Slowly a shift is happening to equalize the tasks between the parents. [3]

Others are single parents juggling multiple jobs to keep the household running. Many function as caregivers to sick or disabled children or older family members [3].

Mood is drastically affected during pregnancy due to major hormonal changes. Other factors may be present such as: [3]

Leaving work or other lifestyle changes

Problems in a Relationship

Unintended pregnancy

Miscarriage

Ceasing use of medications

Postpartum depression

Following pregnancy, it is normal to have the “baby blues” for a few weeks. However major hormones, complications with birth or lack of support are contributing factors to developing postpartum depression.

These signs of postpartum depression indicate a need to seek help: [3]

Difficulty functioning on a daily basis

Cannot care for your baby

Thoughts of harming your baby or yourself

Perimenopause

During this stage in a woman’s life estrogen levels are significantly reduced. When found in combination with these other factors this can lead to depression: [3]

Poor sleep

Anxiety

Life stressors

Weight gain

Early onset of Menopause

Surgical removal of the ovaries leading to menopause

Genetics

The genetic makeup of women is under evaluation as a link to the higher occurrence of depression. Biological factors, such as an estrogen decrease in the body, may add to the increased frequency of depression and anxiety in women. [1]

Pre-existing or Resulting Conditions

There are other conditions that co-exist with depression which also must be dealt with: [3]

Anxiety

Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia

Substance abuse of drugs or alcohol

Many people are worried about coming forward with their feelings of depression. One concern is being prescribed a drug with worse side effects than their depression. To explore some drug-free remedies for depression have a look at this article on beating depression naturally.

There are many stigmas associated with mental health issues, but with awareness, we are starting to break these down. Programs such as the Bell Canada, Let’s Talk day, and Mental Health Awareness Week exist to bring attention to the issue of depression.

If you or someone you know is suffering from depression please reach out to a crisis line in your area. Here are some helpful numbers and links:

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is for information only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about your medical condition and/or current medication. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here.

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